I took this trail after nearly six years of my last trekking expedition. Previously, I had been on the Manang trail that is a lot more arduous than this one. The Ghandruk-Ghorepani-Pokhara trek is shorter and less difficult, per se, as compared to the Manang one but the experience of the trek is unmatched in terms of breathtaking views and picturesque sights throughout the trail.
Located at the Western side of Kathmandu valley and above Pokhara city, the five-day trek is an experience of a lifetime. The month of October, which was when I was there, was beautiful with fields ripe with dandling paddy plants stretched to the horizon, where the goldenness blurred creating an alluring effect. But this trek is equally glorious any time of the year.
Stone paved footpaths make for good strolls along the way as the trail gradually elevates to higher hills. Trekkers pass under thick forest shades where the sun hardly penetrates and the river gurgles gently on the side. If the weather conditions are favorable, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the mountain range comprising of Fishtail, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri.
The massive earthquake of April 25 has had very less impact on this region. None of the houses have suffered serious damage and the area looks as it did before the quake. However, the flow of tourists has declined. The locals shared that the number of tourists has increased slightly over the past few months and that they hope too see more people in the future.
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Trekking agencies urge mandatory TIMS card for foreign trekkers
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